Sign up to shape up next week

Published: Friday, April 16, 2010

SARAH NIGHTINGALE

Are you faster than a fifth-grader?

Find out at the Slaton Shapes Up walk or run, set for 10 a.m. April 24 at Slaton High School.

The event will be packed with Slaton Independent School District kids, who participate for free and can sign up through their schools. Adults can sign up for $15 - or $5 for seniors - and kids outside the district can run for $10. All participants receive a T-shirt and goodie bag.

The third annual fitness event isn't really about coming first, though, said Chief Royce Goodson of the Slaton Police Department.

"The event is primarily to promote fitness and health among students," he said. The department is partnering with the Slaton School District to encourage kids to become more active, he said.

"If you look at the statistics, the younger generation is getting outside less and is more involved in video games," he said. "We think it's important to introduce them to being in a sporting event."

Participants can choose from a 5K or 1-mile course, Goodson said. Organizers hope to expand the event to include a 10K race next year and to raise money for kids' scholarships.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the Slaton High School, 105 N. 20th St. and the run will begin at 10 a.m.

People interested in sponsoring the event should contact Goodson at 806-445-3135 or rgoodson@cityofslaton .com.